Croton ‘Mammy’ – Codiaeum variegatum (Colorful Tropical Foliage, Live Starter Plant)

The Croton ‘Mammy’ (Codiaeum variegatum ‘Mammy’) is one of the most colorful tropicals you can grow, famous for its glossy, narrow leaves that curl and twist into a corkscrew shape. Each leaf is a moving target of color, starting light green and maturing into bold streaks of yellow, orange, red, and deep burgundy. As a result, whether you grow it as a vivid landscape accent in frost-free regions or as a standout houseplant up north, the Croton ‘Mammy’ delivers year-round, head-turning color and a true taste of the tropics.

Why Grow a Croton ‘Mammy’?

• Riotous color – green, yellow, orange, and red all on one plant, deepening as the leaves age.
• Unique twisting leaves – the signature curled, corkscrew foliage gives it texture and movement.
• Indoors or out – also a bold tropical accent in warm climates and a brilliant, air-freshening houseplant everywhere else.
• Versatile form – works as an accent, container or tub specimen, or an informal tropical hedge in frost-free areas.
• Year-round interest – especially valuable since the evergreen foliage keeps its color through every season.

Looking for more bold, tropical foliage? Browse our Indoor Plants and Outdoor Plants collections.

Plant Specifications at a Glance

• Botanical name: Codiaeum variegatum ‘Mammy’ (garden croton, fire croton, Joseph’s coat)
• Plant type: Tropical broadleaf evergreen shrub
• Plant family: Euphorbiaceae (the spurge family)
• Mature size: about 3–5 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide (taller outdoors in the tropics; usually smaller indoors)
• Foliage: Glossy, twisting, corkscrew leaves in green, yellow, orange, red, and burgundy
• Notable traits: Vivid year-round color; popular houseplant; moderately salt-tolerant for coastal landscapes
• Cold Hardiness Zones: 9–11 (reliably hardy in 10–11; grow as a houseplant or protected container elsewhere)

Croton ‘Mammy’ Care & Growing Guide

Crotons reward a little attention with incredible color. Follow these guidelines:

• Sunlight: Bright light is the key to color, so give it full sun to bright, partial shade outdoors, or a bright window indoors. However, too little light turns the leaves green, while harsh, scorching sun can bleach them.
• Water: Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy, watering regularly and avoiding overwatering. Importantly, it is not drought-tolerant and likes moderate-to-high humidity.
• Soil: Rich, well-drained soil or a quality potting mix. In addition, make sure containers have drainage holes.
• Cold Hardiness Zone: 9–11. Because it has no frost tolerance, protect it below about 50°F, and in colder areas grow it in a pot and bring it indoors for winter.
• Pruning: Give it room to grow and prune by hand to shape it. However, do not shear it, since crotons look ragged when sheared.

Good to know: all parts of the croton are toxic to people and pets if eaten (the seeds especially so), and the milky sap can irritate skin. Therefore, wear gloves when pruning and keep it away from children and pets.

Ways to Use Croton ‘Mammy’ in the Landscape

This vivid tropical brings bold color indoors or out. Popular uses for the Croton ‘Mammy’ include:

• Bold accent or specimen in tropical beds
• Also container and tub plantings for patios and porches
• Colorful houseplant for a bright room
• Similarly, an informal tropical hedge or mass planting (frost-free areas)
• Foundation color and poolside displays

It pairs beautifully with other bold tropical foliage. For example, gardeners often combine it with the burgundy Cordyline ‘Red Sensation’, the multicolor Chocolate Queen Cordyline, or the lush Philodendron Xanadu.

What You’ll Receive

These are live Croton ‘Mammy’ starter plants, grown and shipped by Carlo’s Plant Farm. Each plant is less than 12 inches tall when we ship it. The listing photos show mature plants of the same species. That way, you can see how yours will look as they grow. Finally, choose your preferred bundle size using the options above.

Also, due to different state laws, we reserve the right to charge extra fees where necessary to comply.

Ordering, Shipping & Returns

Every order ships free and is insured against loss or damage in transit. For full details on how we pack and send your plants, processing and delivery times, and what to do in the rare case of a problem, please review our Shipping Policy and Terms & Conditions before purchasing. By placing an order, you agree to those terms.

Croton ‘Mammy’ FAQ

Growing & Care Questions

Safety, Hardiness & Shipping Questions